Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Vero Beach, FL Defending the Rights of Injured Cyclists
Many individuals enjoy riding their bicycles as a form of exercise or leisure activity, while others utilize their bicycles as transportation to and from their destinations. Bicycling can be very enjoyable; however, when a bicyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, they can sustain significant injuries and even risk being killed.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries and pain and suffering. Contact the Grall Law Group, PA of Vero Beach, FL, and ask to schedule a free consultation. One of our bicycle accident lawyers will be happy to meet with you, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
What Factors Lead to Bicycle Accidents?
There is a wide range of conditions that can potentially lead to a bicycle accident occurring. However, some commonly reported factors seem to lend themselves to causing a bicycle accident. They include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driver fatigue
- Failure to yield right of way to the cyclist
- Opening a car door in the path of a cyclist
- Driving in marked bicycle lanes
- Following a cyclist too closely
One of the most dangerous conditions bicyclists encounter is motorists who are texting while driving and do not see the individual until it is too late, causing them to be involved in an accident. Regardless of how you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can work to recover compensation on your behalf.
What are Typical Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Even if the cyclist wears a helmet, bicycle accident injuries can be severe and have devastating consequences for the victim. Unlike being involved in a motor vehicle accident, bicyclists lack the basic surrounding protection that a motor vehicle can offer. Some of the most commonly reported bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Broken bones, especially to the wrists, arms, and legs
- Dislocated shoulders and knees
- Road rash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are typically considered catastrophic injuries and can leave the accident victim needing long-term or highly specialized medical care. Aside from the devastating physical effects this can have for the injury victim, these types of injuries can also take a financial and physical toll on their families.
Can I Recover Financial Compensation for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Florida law allows you to file a claim to recover financial compensation for your incurred damages if you have been injured in a bicycle accident. The compensation you could recover in a settlement will depend on the unique facts and circumstances surrounding your accident. Some of the most commonly awarded damages in bicycle accident cases include:
- Past and future medical bills, including prescription drug costs, doctor visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any medical tests you may require.
- Lost wages due to your inability to return to work.
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to the type of work you did before your injury.
- Pain and suffering compensation for the physical pain you had to endure due to your injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer participate in activities you enjoyed before being injured.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
Florida law stipulates that you have up to four years to file a personal injury claim. However, if you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you should seek legal representation immediately. Often memories fade, and witnesses move away, making your case harder to prove. Therefore, one of the best steps to protect yourself and your future is to hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can begin the legal process on your behalf. It should also be noted that if your loved one died due to a bicycle accident, Florida only allows families up to two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Our personal injury lawyers recognize that you most likely need time to properly heal and recover after you have been injured in a bicycle accident. We can assist you with filing a claim so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your legal needs are being taken care of by your legal team.
Contact Grall Law Group of Vero Beach, FL, by calling 772-569-0000 and asking to schedule a free consultation today.